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Manuscript book gifted by Burns to Mrs General Stewart of Afton
a. The Mother's Lament for the loss of her only son; b. Tam o' Shanter - A Tale; c. Elegy (on Captain M Henderson); d. The Lament of Mary Queen of Scots - A Ballad; e. Written in the Hermitage
A collection of his later poems, which were at that time unpublished. The volume measures nearly 8 inches by 6 inches, and is sewn in a marbled-paper cover. Inside the front cover is the armorial book-plate of Mrs Stewart.
On the first leaf Burns wrote a humble introduction to this selection of poetry. Not wishing to publish them, he felt that they might be of interest in this form.
On the second leaf Burns wrote a dedication to "Mrs General Stewart", to whom he presented the manuscript volume.
Mrs Stewart was the wife of Alexander Stewart of Stair, grandson of the Earl of Galloway, Major General and MP for Kirkcudbrightshire. Robert Burns visited Stair years before, where he received a good welcome. In 1786 the volume now known as the Stair Manuscript was presented by Burns to Mrs Stewart. This is also held by Burns Cottage Museum.
